Announced non-mandated focused inspections were conducted on 02/19/2020 and 02/21/2020 as the result of a self-reported incident that took place on 02/05/2020. The following took place during the inspections: review of video footage, the review of child and staff records, the review of policies/procedures and staff interviews. Violations of the licensing standards were cited and can be found on the Violation Notice. For more information, contact Becky Forestier at 540-309-2835.
Based on review of video footage, review of written documentation of the facility?s policies and interviews with the staff, the facility failed to ensure compliance with its own policies that are required by the standards.
Evidence: Video footage and interviews with the staff confirmed that on 02/05/2020, Staff #1 did not following the facilities Discipline/Termination Policy when Staff #1 kicked Child #1. The facilities Discipline/Termination Policy in both the parent and employee handbooks state ?we refrain from using any type of physical punishment and will not take away snack time because of a child?s behavior?. The staff Code of Conduct, included in the employee handbook, states ?Staff shall not abuse children in any way including: physical abuse, striking, spanking, shaking, slapping, and so on?. The record for Staff #1 contained documentation of a signed acknowledgement of receiving this information in writing; the documents were signed by Staff #1 and was dated 08/28/2013.
Plan of Correction:
Staff will be retrained in discipline policy. Held staff meeting on 02/22/2020 to review with staff. March meeting will also be on the same subject.
Standard #:
22VAC40-185-410-1
Description:
Based on review of video footage and interviews with the staff, the facility failed to ensure that actions towards children that are forbidden by the standards (physical punishment, striking a child, roughly handling or shaking a child, etc.) were not used at the center.
Evidence: 1. Video footage from approximately 4:48 p.m. on 02/05/2020 shows Child #1 lying on his stomach in the gymnasium, Child #1 proceeds to walk his legs up the gym wall into a handstand position and then walk his legs back down the wall. As Child #1 lowers himself back down onto his hands and knees, Staff #1 can be seen approaching Child #1 from the child?s right hand side. Staff #1 kicks Child #1 in the knee area of his legs. Child #1?s body can be seen rotating away from Staff #1 from the impact of the kick. 2. Staff #2 stated that during gym time on 02/05/2020 she witnessed Staff #1 approach Child #1 and kick him. 3. Staff #4 stated that during gym time on 02/05/2020 at approximately 4:45 p.m. she witnessed Staff #1 approach Child #1 and kick him "like a dodgeball".
Plan of Correction:
Staff will be retrained in correct actions towards children. Held staff meeting on 02/22/2020 to review with staff. March meeting will also be on the same subject.
Disclaimer:
This information is provided by the Virginia Department of Social Services, which neither endorses any facility nor guarantees that the information is complete. It should not be used as the sole source in evaluating and/or selecting a facility.
Find this content at:
http://www.dss.virginia.gov/facility/search/cc.cgi